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Unifrost Commercial refrigeration knowledge hub for Irish businesses
FAQ

What are the hygiene requirements for ice in Irish kitchens?

FAQ
Quick answer

In Ireland, ice used in drinks should be treated as a food. In practice that means you should be able to show control of:

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Need more detail? For model comparisons, setup steps and troubleshooting, see the related guides below.

In Ireland, ice used in drinks should be treated as a food. In practice that means you should be able to show control of:

Potable water source: your ice machine must be fed from a mains potable supply and any filtration should be maintained on schedule.

Clean, protected storage: store loose ice in a covered, food-grade bin where it is protected from splash, dust, glass-handling areas, and raw food activity.

Hygienic dispensing: use a dedicated ice scoop and holder, never a glass, jug, or bare hands. Keep the scoop out of the ice when not in use.

Cleaning routine: document routine cleaning for the ice-contact surfaces (bin interior, lid, scoop, nearby splash points) and keep records as part of your food safety management system.

Staff practices: train staff on “ice is food” rules, especially at busy service when shortcuts happen.

Read the full guide: Unifrost Upright Freezer and Ice Storage Bin Service Planning.